Today's unprecedented and unfortunate action by the House of
Representatives - led by Speaker Pelosi - to change the rules governing
legislation to implement our trade agreement with Colombia is damaging
to our economy, our national security, and our relations with an
important ally. It also undermines the trust required for any
Administration to negotiate trade agreements in the future.

By lowering tariffs for products made in America and sold in Colombia,
this trade agreement would level the playing field for American workers
and provide a boost for our economy at a vital time. Rather than
supporting the opening of markets for our farmers and manufacturers,
Democratic congressional leaders instead listened to narrow special
interests and followed an isolationist path.

Today's action by the House of Representatives also sends a damaging
message to the world that Congress cannot be counted on to keep its
promises. Colombia is one of our strongest allies in the Western
Hemisphere. Colombia's leaders are showing courage in improving the
safety of their citizens while battling narco-terrorists that receive
support from anti-American forces outside Colombia. The message
Democrats sent today is that no matter how steadfastly you stand with
us, we will turn our backs on you when it is politically convenient.

In addition, by changing the rules for how it considers legislation to
implement trade agreements, the House has severed a bond of trust
between the executive branch and the Congress, and with our trading
partners, that has served our Nation well for decades. In order to
negotiate trade agreements, we empower our trade representatives with
the promise that Congress will consider trade agreements with a timely
up-or-down vote. By breaking this bond, Democrats have undercut not
just this Administration, but future Administrations as well. This will
weaken our Nation's ability to negotiate fair trade agreements for
American workers, farmers, ranchers, and service providers.

During the 16 months since the Colombia free trade agreement was signed,
my Administration has gone above and beyond any reasonable effort to
achieve a bipartisan path for considering this agreement. At the
expense of our economy and our national security, the House has instead
chosen to take a short-sighted and partisan path.